Few gaming franchises generate as much anticipation and admiration as Assassin’s Creed, and with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the series is finally venturing into the long-requested setting of feudal Japan. A major highlight of this entry is the introduction of Fujibayashi Naoe, the franchise’s first kunoichi protagonist. Bringing Naoe to life is MASUMI, an actress and singer making her video game voice-acting debut. We had the opportunity to speak with MASUMI about her journey into voice acting, the challenges of embodying Naoe, and what it means to be part of such an iconic series.
The Outerhaven: Hello MASUMI. Thanks for taking some time out of your busy schedule to speak with us. More than anything, how are you feeling right now?
MASUMI: Thank YOU for your time. I’m doing great! but also feeling slightly overwhelmed and relieved at the same time.
The Outerhaven: You’ve been an actress and a singer, but this is your first time as a voice actress for a video game and a fairly popular one. How does this make you feel, and after the experience, would you consider more voice-acting gigs?
MASUMI: Yes, thank you for mentioning. VO was nothing like recording your songs in a studio; that much is certain! There are so many technical aspects to getting a certain vocal sound, so it sounds fitting for various situations (drowning, whispering, screaming underwater, etc), which was eye-opening. It was physically tough, too. Some days, I couldn’t keep standing and was on the floor around my 4th hour in the studio, from how exhausted my whole body felt. I definitely grew the muscle over the years and would definitely consider it for the future!
The Outerhaven: How did you prepare for the role of Fujibayashi Naoe? Following up on that, how did it make you feel playing the part of not just a Kunoichi, but the first one in the history of Assassin’s Creed?
MASUMI: I starred in a movie called Yakuza Princess, and that was the project that started my acting career. The protagonist, Akemi, goes through a very traumatic and emotional journey to overcome her past, so the movie definitely helped me understand Naoe as well. I started by immersing myself in her past, her motivations, and the emotions driving her. She can be cutthroat and vicious, but she also carries deep pain and responsibility. So, I focused on balancing that strength with her vulnerability, making sure her emotions felt raw and real.
I didn’t know of the franchise or the past protagonists they’ve had, but I’ve always wanted to be a video game character and also wanted to play a ninja role. I was very surprised and excited when those came in one!
The Outerhaven: How would you describe Fujibayashi Naoe as a character? What was your biggest challenge in bringing the character to life? Were you familiar with the franchise before taking on this role?
MASUMI: Naoe is such a powerful, layered character. She is fierce, determined and carrying the weight of her past while fighting for her future. What I loved most about playing her was her emotional depth that she carries. The challenge was also exploring those emotional depths and intensities that are the backdrop of this period as well.
The Outerhaven: Assassin’s Creed Shadows, in particular, is a highly anticipated and long-awaited game in the franchise. In particular, due to the setting of Japan and the inclusion of a shinobi. Something that fans have wanted for years, decades even. Were you aware of this level of anticipation for the game, and did it add a level of pressure? If so, how did you cope with this added pressure?
MASUMI: I wasn’t aware initially, but eventually I found out about the anticipation and I felt even more honored to have been selected! But with any project, I try not to let others’ expectations or hopes muddle my own creative fire and vision. Because when we try to please others, we lose our freedom and power to express whats truly our own.
The Outerhaven: Have you played any of the previous Assassin’s Creed games, and if so, do you have a favorite?
MASUMI: Unfortunately, I have never played the series before!
The Outerhaven: How would you describe the relationship between Naoe and Yasuke? Speaking of what was it like performing alongside Tongayi Chirisa who portrays Yasuke?
MASUMI: Yasuke and Naoe go from enemies to lifelong friends! Their differences become their point of respect for each other, and eventually, they become each other’s chosen family. Working with Tongayi on set was a treat. It didn’t feel like work because we had so much fun working together! I respect him so much as an actor and a senpai as well, so it felt like we had a natural bond to go off of.
The Outerhaven: Is there anything that you want to say to the fans who have been awaiting the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
MASUMI: Thank you for giving me the space and chance to play Naoe! To be able to navigate Naoe’s journey in this time period was so meaningful to me. I hope you can hear my soul etched in Naoe’s voice throughout the game. I hope you enjoy!
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is now available on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam, Ubiconnect). Be sure to check out our review of Assassin’s Creed Shadows to see what we thought about perhaps the most decisive game in the series.
